Local shepherds have made ewe's milk cheeses in the French Pyrenees for 4,000 years. Etorki is a modern cheese dating from the late ‘70s, similar to traditional Basque country cheeses, but it is more supple and close textured. Etorki takes its name from the Basque word for "origin," or "source." The milk comes from small flocks of black or red-faced Manech sheep and is only made from late December to mid July (when the ewes are impregnated again). From June to September, the flock's transhumance to high pastures to allow the lowlands to regenerate. Etorki is aged from three to six months from fine, cut curd pressed in plastic molds, vertically stacked to press curd and expel whey. After a two-hour brine bath, it is rubbed with salt and later in brine soaked cloths. Etorki is oily with butterfat, yet firm and supple with a burnt caramel sweetness and a creamy texture. This is a lovely cheese in the summer for a buffet or picnic with apples and pears, in salads, or with raw veggies and olives.

Love Etorki cheese and was so happy to find it at igourmet.com. My order arrived very quickly, was packed very carefully and I was so satisfied with this order. I will certainly order from igourmet.com again.

By Harryfrom Falls Church VAon Aug 20, 2014

An old favorite

20 years ago Etorki was my favorite cheese. Then it disappeared. We are working on nice wedge with banquettes and it brings back fond memories. Eat at room temperature to bring out the flavor sandy aroma. igourmet sent a top quality cheese

By Norafrom Palm Springson Jul 20, 2014

I just bought this to sample, but I love it!

When I just want cheese on its own, I'll cut a chunk of the smooth, creamy, delicious Etorki. Yes, it's good with other things too, but it has a subtlety and gentle nature that really shines for me on its own. Not to mention, it's my cat's favorite sheep cheese - caught her eating bites off my plate when I got up from the table yesterday. So I can also note this as recommended by Vasco.

By fabiennefrom californiaon Jan 02, 2013

nice ewe milk cheese

always enjoy this cheese

By weathermanfrom grand junction , coloradoon Feb 18, 2012

EWE LIKE CREAM?

This is the richest, tastiest, smoothest sheep cheese my wife and I have ever had. Firm but not hard and feels like cream as it melts in your mouth. Will definitely re-order this.

By calillyfrom georgiaon Aug 08, 2011

Melt in your mouth cheese

This is one of my favorite cheeses from the Basque region. Love this cheese.

By Janiefrom Lenexa, KSon Jan 30, 2009

Etorki Cheese - Excellent

I ordered this cheese to arrive on Christmas Eve, as a gift for my husband. We both love this cheese. We enjoy just slicing it and eating it plan to curb our hunger. It is also nice for a bedtime snack, with crackers. There are so many cheeses out there now and we try many, yet few measure up to the flavor found with Etorki.

By Waltfrom Laguna Niguel, Californiaon Dec 10, 2008

Flavorful, but mild.

Etorki is very mild, but is extremely flavorful. This is good for the beginner who cringes at fromage tres piquant (very pungent cheese). It's especially good served with a nice dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley along with a few pears.

By Renaefrom San Diego, CAon Aug 27, 2008

My new favorite!

First tasted this cheese at a Wine Bar north of LA and was happy to find it here. It is excellent with dried & fresh fruits, with the lavendar honey or just with a nice glass of red or bubbly.

By Chefgirlfrom Fort Wayne, INon Jan 10, 2008

Big Fan

This had a strong flavor at first and as I kept eating and eating it just got better and better.